1
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Spizzichino S, Di Fonzo F, Marabelli C, Tramonti A, Chaves-Sanjuan A, Parroni A, Boumis G, Liberati FR, Paone A, Montemiglio LC, Ardini M, Jakobi AJ, Bharadwaj A, Swuec P, Tartaglia GG, Paiardini A, Contestabile R, Mai A, Rotili D, Fiorentino F, Macone A, Giorgi A, Tria G, Rinaldo S, Bolognesi M, Giardina G, Cutruzzolà F. Structure-based mechanism of riboregulation of the metabolic enzyme SHMT1. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2682-2697.e6. [PMID: 38996576 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
RNA can directly control protein activity in a process called riboregulation; only a few mechanisms of riboregulation have been described in detail, none of which have been characterized on structural grounds. Here, we present a comprehensive structural, functional, and phylogenetic analysis of riboregulation of cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT1), the enzyme interconverting serine and glycine in one-carbon metabolism. We have determined the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of human SHMT1 in its free- and RNA-bound states, and we show that the RNA modulator competes with polyglutamylated folates and acts as an allosteric switch, selectively altering the enzyme's reactivity vs. serine. In addition, we identify the tetrameric assembly and a flap structural motif as key structural elements necessary for binding of RNA to eukaryotic SHMT1. The results presented here suggest that riboregulation may have played a role in evolution of eukaryotic SHMT1 and in compartmentalization of one-carbon metabolism. Our findings provide insights for RNA-based therapeutic strategies targeting this cancer-linked metabolic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Spizzichino
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Di Fonzo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Marabelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Angela Tramonti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chaves-Sanjuan
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; Fondazione Romeo e Enrica Invernizzi and NOLIMITS, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Parroni
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Boumis
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Liberati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Celeste Montemiglio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Ardini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Arjen J Jakobi
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Deft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg, 92629 HZ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Alok Bharadwaj
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Deft, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg, 92629 HZ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Paolo Swuec
- CryoElectron Microscopy Facility, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy; Department of Biology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paiardini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Tria
- CNR Institute of Crystallography - URT Caserta c/o Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche (DiSTABiF), Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; Fondazione Romeo e Enrica Invernizzi and NOLIMITS, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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2
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Lee Y, Vousden KH, Hennequart M. Cycling back to folate metabolism in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:701-715. [PMID: 38698089 PMCID: PMC7616045 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic changes contribute to cancer initiation and progression through effects on cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment and whole-body metabolism. Alterations in serine metabolism and the control of one-carbon cycles have emerged as critical for the development of many tumor types. In this Review, we focus on the mitochondrial folate cycle. We discuss recent evidence that, in addition to supporting nucleotide synthesis, mitochondrial folate metabolism also contributes to metastasis through support of antioxidant defense, mitochondrial protein synthesis and the overflow of excess formate. These observations offer potential therapeutic opportunities, including the modulation of formate metabolism through dietary interventions and the use of circulating folate cycle metabolites as biomarkers for cancer detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marc Hennequart
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Molecular Physiology Unit (URPHYM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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3
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Zhang J, Bai J, Gong C, Wang J, Cheng Y, Zhao J, Xiong H. Serine-associated one-carbon metabolic reprogramming: a new anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1184626. [PMID: 37664062 PMCID: PMC10471886 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1184626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour metabolism is a major focus of cancer research, and metabolic reprogramming is an important feature of malignant tumours. Serine is an important non-essential amino acid, which is a main resource of one-carbon units in tumours. Cancer cells proliferate more than normal cells and require more serine for proliferation. The cancer-related genes that are involved in serine metabolism also show changes corresponding to metabolic alterations. Here, we reviewed the serine-associated one-carbon metabolism and its potential as a target for anti-tumour therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huihua Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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4
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Ma W, Liu R, Zhao K, Zhong J. Vital role of SHMT2 in diverse disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 671:160-165. [PMID: 37302290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism is essential for our human cells to carry out nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and reductive metabolism through one-carbon units, and these pathways ensure the high proliferation rate of cancer cells. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) is a key enzyme in one-carbon metabolism. This enzyme can convert serine into a one-carbon unit bound to tetrahydrofolate and glycine, ultimately supporting the synthesis of thymidine and purines and promoting the growth of cancer cells. Due to SHMT2's crucial role in the one-carbon cycle, it is ubiquitous in human cells and even in all organisms and highly conserved. Here, we summarize the impact of SHMT2 on the progression of various cancers to highlight its potential use in the development of cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Ma
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, China
| | - Ronghan Liu
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, China
| | - Jiangbo Zhong
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, China.
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5
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Polito MP, Marini G, Palamenghi M, Enzo E. Decoding the Human Epidermal Complexity at Single-Cell Resolution. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108544. [PMID: 37239891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermis is one of the largest tissues in the human body, serving as a protective barrier. The basal layer of the epidermis, which consists of epithelial stem cells and transient amplifying progenitors, represents its proliferative compartment. As keratinocytes migrate from the basal layer to the skin surface, they exit the cell cycle and initiate terminal differentiation, ultimately generating the suprabasal epidermal layers. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathways driving keratinocytes' organization and regeneration is essential for successful therapeutic approaches. Single-cell techniques are valuable tools for studying molecular heterogeneity. The high-resolution characterization obtained with these technologies has identified disease-specific drivers and new therapeutic targets, further promoting the advancement of personalized therapies. This review summarizes the latest findings on the transcriptomic and epigenetic profiling of human epidermal cells, analyzed from human biopsy or after in vitro cultivation, focusing on physiological, wound healing, and inflammatory skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Polito
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''Stefano Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Grazia Marini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''Stefano Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Palamenghi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''Stefano Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Enzo
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''Stefano Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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6
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Coukos JS, Lee CW, Pillai KS, Liu KJ, Moellering RE. Widespread, Reversible Cysteine Modification by Methylglyoxal Regulates Metabolic Enzyme Function. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:91-101. [PMID: 36562291 PMCID: PMC9872086 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive metabolite byproduct of glucose metabolism, is known to form a variety of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on nucleophilic amino acids. For example, cysteine, the most nucleophilic proteinogenic amino acid, forms reversible hemithioacetal and stable mercaptomethylimidazole adducts with MGO. The high reactivity of cysteine toward MGO and the rate of formation of such modifications provide the opportunity for mechanisms by which proteins and pathways might rapidly sense and respond to alterations in levels of MGO. This indirect measure of alterations in glycolytic flux would thereby allow disparate cellular processes to dynamically respond to changes in nutrient availability and utilization. Here we report the use of quantitative LC-MS/MS-based chemoproteomic profiling approaches with a cysteine-reactive probe to map the proteome-wide landscape of MGO modification of cysteine residues. This approach led to the identification of many sites of potential functional regulation by MGO. We further characterized the role that such modifications have in a catalytic cysteine residue in a key metabolic enzyme and the resulting effects on cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S. Coukos
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Chris W. Lee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Kavya S. Pillai
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Kimberly J. Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Raymond E. Moellering
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
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7
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Cappello A, Mancini M, Madonna S, Rinaldo S, Paone A, Scarponi C, Belardo A, Zolla L, Zuccotti A, Panatta E, Pallotta S, Annicchiarico-Petruzzelli M, Albanesi C, Cutruzzolà F, Wang L, Jia W, Melino G, Candi E. Extracellular serine empowers epidermal proliferation and psoriasis-like symptoms. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm7902. [PMID: 36525488 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm7902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of nutrient availability to control epidermal cell proliferation, inflammation, and hyperproliferative diseases remains unknown. Here, we studied extracellular serine and serine/glycine metabolism using human keratinocytes, human skin biopsies, and a mouse model of psoriasis-like disease. We focused on a metabolic enzyme, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), that converts serine into glycine and tetrahydrofolate-bound one‑carbon units to support cell growth. We found that keratinocytes are both serine and glycine auxotrophs. Metabolomic profiling and hypoxanthine supplementation indicated that SHMT silencing/inhibition reduced cell growth through purine depletion, leading to nucleotide loss. In addition, topical application of an SHMT inhibitor suppressed both keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation in the imiquimod model and resulted in a decrease in psoriasis-associated gene expression. In conclusion, our study highlights SHMT2 activity and serine/glycine availability as an important metabolic hub controlling both keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory cell expansion in psoriasis and holds promise for additional approaches to treat skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cappello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Mancini
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Madonna
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences A.Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences A.Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Scarponi
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Belardo
- Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Lello Zolla
- Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Panatta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences A.Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lu Wang
- Chinese Medicine and Systems Biology/School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Jia
- Chinese Medicine and Systems Biology/School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy
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8
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wang X, Jian H, Xiao H, Wen T. SHMT2 promotes cell viability and inhibits ROS-dependent, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via the intrinsic signaling pathway in bladder cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1514-1527. [PMID: 35422087 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00470-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2) catalyzes the conversion of serine to glycine and concomitantly produces one-carbon units to support cell growth and is upregulated in various cancer cells. SHMT2 knockdown triggers cell apoptosis; however, the detailed mechanism of apoptosis induced by SHMT2 inactivation remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that SHMT2 supports the proliferation of bladder cancer (BC) cells by maintaining redox homeostasis. SHMT2 knockout decreased the pools of purine and one-carbon units and delayed cell cycle progression in a manner that was rescued by formate, demonstrating that SHMT2-mediated one-carbon units are essential for BC cell proliferation. SHMT2 deficiency promoted the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by decreasing the NADH/NAD+, NADPH/NADP+, and GSH/GSSG ratios, leading to a loss in mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, translocation of Bcl-2 family protein and activation of caspase-3. Notably, blocking ROS production with the one-carbon donor formate and the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) effectively rescued SHMT2 deficiency-induced cell apoptosis via the intrinsic signaling pathway. Treatment with the SHMT inhibitor SHIN1 resulted in a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Formate and NAC rescued SHIN1-induced cell apoptosis. Our findings reveal an important mechanism by which the loss of SHMT2 triggers ROS-dependent, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, which gives insight into the link between serine metabolism and cell apoptosis and provides a promising target for BC treatment and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- Innovation Academy for Green Manufacture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xueliang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Jian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Haihan Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Tingyi Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- Innovation Academy for Green Manufacture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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9
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Shamshad H, Bakri R, Mirza AZ. Dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase, and serine hydroxy methyltransferase: successful targets against some infectious diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6659-6691. [PMID: 35253073 PMCID: PMC8898753 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases have a serious impact on the world in terms of health and economics and are responsible for worldwide mortality and morbidity. The present review features the hybrid targeting involving three main enzymes for the treatment of different parasitic diseases. The enzymes Dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase, and Serine hydroxy methyltransferase play an essential role in the folate pathway. The present review focuses on these enzymes, which can be targeted against several diseases. It shed light on the past, present, and future of these targets, and it can be assessed that these targets can play a significant role against several infectious diseases. For combating viral and protozoal infectious diseases, these targets in combination should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Shamshad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rowaida Bakri
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Chen Z, Zhou H, Hu H, Chen L. Blocking the Metabolic Switch Toward Cytosolic 1C Flux: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Tumors With Low SLC19A1 Expression. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610337. [PMID: 35531073 PMCID: PMC9072622 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, College of Basic Medical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Haoliang Hu
- Changde Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Biomedicine, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, College of Basic Medical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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11
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Perillyl alcohol and its synthetic derivatives: the rising of a novel class of selective and potent antitumoral compounds. Med Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-022-02870-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Soniya K, Chandra A. Free Energy Landscape and Proton Transfer Pathways of the Transimination Reaction at the Active site of the Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Enzyme in Aqueous Medium. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:11848-11856. [PMID: 34696588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c05864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a ubiquitous enzyme belonging to the fold type I or aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) family of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes. Like other PLP-dependent enzymes, SHMT also undergoes the so-called transimination reaction before exhibiting its enzymatic activity. The transimination process constitutes an important pre-step for all PLP-dependent enzymes, where an internal aldimine of the PLP-enzyme complex gets converted to an external aldimine of the substrate-PLP complex at the active site of the enzyme. In case of the transimination reaction involving SHMT, the PLP molecule bound to the active site lysine residue of SHMT (internal aldimine) gets detached from the enzyme by a serine substrate to produce an external aldimine complex, where the PLP is now bound to the serine substrate. In the current study, the free energy surfaces and reaction pathways of different steps of the transimination reaction at the active site of SHMT are investigated by employing hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) simulations combined with metadynamics methods of rare event sampling. It is found that the process of transimination involving serine and PLP at the active site of the SHMT enzyme takes place through different elementary steps such as the formation of the first geminal diamine intermediate (GDI1), transfer of a proton from the substrate serine to the phenolic oxygen of PLP, followed by another proton transfer from PLP to the amine nitrogen of lysine with the formation of the second geminal diamine intermediate (GDI2), and finally, detachment of the active site lysine residue from PLP to produce the external aldimine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Soniya
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Amalendu Chandra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
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13
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Spizzichino S, Boi D, Boumis G, Lucchi R, Liberati FR, Capelli D, Montanari R, Pochetti G, Piacentini R, Parisi G, Paone A, Rinaldo S, Contestabile R, Tramonti A, Paiardini A, Giardina G, Cutruzzolà F. Cytosolic localization and in vitro assembly of human de novo thymidylate synthesis complex. FEBS J 2021; 289:1625-1649. [PMID: 34694685 PMCID: PMC9299187 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
De novo thymidylate synthesis is a crucial pathway for normal and cancer cells. Deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) is synthesized by the combined action of three enzymes: serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT1), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TYMS), with the latter two being targets of widely used chemotherapeutics such as antifolates and 5‐fluorouracil. These proteins translocate to the nucleus after SUMOylation and are suggested to assemble in this compartment into the thymidylate synthesis complex. We report the intracellular dynamics of the complex in cancer cells by an in situ proximity ligation assay, showing that it is also detected in the cytoplasm. This result indicates that the role of the thymidylate synthesis complex assembly may go beyond dTMP synthesis. We have successfully assembled the dTMP synthesis complex in vitro, employing tetrameric SHMT1 and a bifunctional chimeric enzyme comprising human thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase. We show that the SHMT1 tetrameric state is required for efficient complex assembly, indicating that this aggregation state is evolutionarily selected in eukaryotes to optimize protein–protein interactions. Lastly, our results regarding the activity of the complete thymidylate cycle in vitro may provide a useful tool with respect to developing drugs targeting the entire complex instead of the individual components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Spizzichino
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dalila Boi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Boumis
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lucchi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Davide Capelli
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Montanari
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pochetti
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Piacentini
- Center for Life Nano & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Parisi
- Center for Life Nano & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angela Tramonti
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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14
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Zeng Y, Zhang J, Xu M, Chen F, Zi R, Yue J, Zhang Y, Chen N, Chin YE. Roles of Mitochondrial Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) in Human Carcinogenesis. J Cancer 2021; 12:5888-5894. [PMID: 34476002 PMCID: PMC8408114 DOI: 10.7150/jca.60170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, cellular metabolic reprogramming has been acknowledged as a hallmark of human cancer and evaluated for its crucial role in supporting the proliferation and survival of human cancer cells. In a variety of human tumours, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), breast cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a large amount of carbon is reused in serine/glycine biosynthesis, accompanied by higher expression of the key glycine synthetic enzyme mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2). This enzyme can convert serine into glycine and a tetrahydrofolate-bound one-carbon unit, ultimately supporting thymidine synthesis and purine synthesis and promoting tumour growth. In tumour samples, elevated expression of SHMT2 was found to be associated with poor prognosis. In this review, the pivotal roles of SHMT2 in human carcinogenesis are described, highlighting the underlying regulatory mechanisms through promotion of tumour progression. In conclusion, SHMT2 may serve as a prognostic marker and a target for anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zeng
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengmeng Xu
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuxian Chen
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruidong Zi
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jicheng Yue
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nannan Chen
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Eugene Chin
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
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15
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Sobiepanek A, Paone A, Cutruzzolà F, Kobiela T. Biophysical characterization of melanoma cell phenotype markers during metastatic progression. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2021; 50:523-542. [PMID: 33730175 PMCID: PMC8190004 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01514-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The most common melanoma genetic driver is mutation of the proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase BRAF; thus, the inhibition of its MAP kinase pathway by specific inhibitors is a commonly applied therapy. However, many patients are resistant, or develop resistance to this type of monotherapy, and therefore combined therapies which target other signaling pathways through various molecular mechanisms are required. A possible strategy may involve targeting cellular energy metabolism, which has been recognized as crucial for cancer development and progression and which connects through glycolysis to cell surface glycan biosynthetic pathways. Protein glycosylation is a hallmark of more than 50% of the human proteome and it has been recognized that altered glycosylation occurs during the metastatic progression of melanoma cells which, in turn facilitates their migration. This review provides a description of recent advances in the search for factors able to remodel cell metabolism between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, and of changes in specific markers and in the biophysical properties of cells during melanoma development from a nevus to metastasis. This development is accompanied by changes in the expression of surface glycans, with corresponding changes in ligand-receptor affinity, giving rise to structural features and viscoelastic parameters particularly well suited to study by label-free biophysical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sobiepanek
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Interactions Studies, Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tomasz Kobiela
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Interactions Studies, Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Liao Y, Wang F, Zhang Y, Cai H, Song F, Hou J. Silencing SHMT2 inhibits the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma through cell cycle regulation. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:220. [PMID: 33863325 PMCID: PMC8052717 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01880-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) is a vital metabolic enzyme in one carbon metabolism catalyzing the conversion of serine to glycine, which has been reported to play a crucial role in the progression of tumors. However, its function in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains unclear. Methods SHMT2 expression was analyzed using samples in online databases, and was assessed through immunohistochemistry staining of collected clinical specimens. The correlation between SHMT2 expression and the cell cycle was predicted through bioinformatic analysis, including weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). After transfection with siRNA, CCK8 assay, Edu staining, flow cytometry, trans-well assay, and wound healing experiments were performed to verify the functional role of SHMT2 in vitro. A stable cell line with SHMT2 silencing was established to detect the oncogenic function of SHMT2 in vivo. Results The expression of SHMT2 was up-regulated in TSCC tissues and cell lines compared with normal groups, and highly expressed SHMT2 significantly indicated a poorer clinical outcome for TSCC patients. Bioinformatic analysis found that high expression of SHMT2 was closely related with biologic process including cell cycle and cell cycle G1/S transition. Down regulating of SHMT2 significantly suppressed the proliferation, invasive and migrative ability of TSCC cells, and induced the prolongation of the G1 phase of the cell cycle in vitro. Furthermore, western blot showed that cell cycle-related regulators such as cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclinD1 expression levels were decreased, while the expression levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 were increased after SHMT2 knockdown. Silencing SHMT2 in the HN6 cell line using short hairpin RNA also impeded tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions Overexpression of SHMT2 in TSCC indicated low survival rates, and was associated with aggressive behaviors of TSCC. It was also found to be involved in cell cycle regulation of TSCC cells. SHMT2 may serve as a novel prognostic indicator of TSCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01880-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yadong Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongshi Cai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Song
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinsong Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510055, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Cuthbertson CR, Arabzada Z, Bankhead A, Kyani A, Neamati N. A Review of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of One-Carbon Enzymes: SHMT2 and MTHFD2 in the Spotlight. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:624-646. [PMID: 33860190 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark of cancer and shifts cellular metabolism to meet the demands of biomass production necessary for abnormal cell reproduction. One-carbon metabolism (1CM) contributes to many biosynthetic pathways that fuel growth and is comprised of a complex network of enzymes. Methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil were pioneering drugs in this field and are still widely used today as anticancer agents as well as for other diseases such as arthritis. Besides dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase, two other enzymes of the folate cycle arm of 1CM have not been targeted clinically: serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD). An increasing body of literature suggests that the mitochondrial isoforms of these enzymes (SHMT2 and MTHFD2) are clinically relevant in the context of cancer. In this review, we focused on the 1CM pathway as a target for cancer therapy and, in particular, SHMT2 and MTHFD2. The function, regulation, and clinical relevance of SHMT2 and MTHFD2 are all discussed. We expand on previous clinical studies and evaluate the prognostic significance of these critical enzymes by performing a pan-cancer analysis of patient data from the The Cancer Genome Atlas and a transcriptional coexpression network enrichment analysis. We also provide an overview of preclinical and clinical inhibitors targeting the folate pathway, the methionine cycle, and folate-dependent purine biosynthesis enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Cuthbertson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zahra Arabzada
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Armand Bankhead
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Armita Kyani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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18
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Sepulveda-Villegas M, Rojo R, Garza-Hernandez D, de la Rosa-Garza M, Treviño V. A systematic review of genes affecting mitochondrial processes in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165846. [PMID: 32473387 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant conversion of cancer cells requires efficient mitochondria reprogramming orchestrated by hundreds of genes. The transformation includes increased energy demand, biosynthesis of precursors, and reactive oxygen species needed to accelerate cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Reprogramming involves complex gene alterations that have not been methodically curated. Therefore, we systematically analyzed the literature of cancer-related genes in mitochondria. Through the analysis of >2500 PubMed abstracts and >1600 human genes, we identified 228 genes showing clear roles in cancer. Each gene was classified according to their homeostatic function, together with the pathological transitions that contribute to specific cancer hallmarks. The potential clinical relevance of these hallmarks and genes is discussed by representative examples and validated by detecting differences in gene expression levels across 16 different types of cancer. A compendium, including the gene functions and alterations underpinning cancer progression, can be explored at http://bioinformatica.mty.itesm.mx/MitoCancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricruz Sepulveda-Villegas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Cátedra de Bioinformática, Av. Morones Prieto No. 3000, Colonia Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico
| | - Rocio Rojo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Cátedra de Bioinformática, Av. Morones Prieto No. 3000, Colonia Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico
| | - Debora Garza-Hernandez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Cátedra de Bioinformática, Av. Morones Prieto No. 3000, Colonia Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico
| | - Mauricio de la Rosa-Garza
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Cátedra de Bioinformática, Av. Morones Prieto No. 3000, Colonia Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico
| | - Victor Treviño
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Cátedra de Bioinformática, Av. Morones Prieto No. 3000, Colonia Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64710, Mexico.
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19
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Han Y, He L, Qi Y, Zhao Y, Pan Y, Fang B, Li S, Zhang JZH, Zhang L. Identification of three new compounds that directly target human serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:221-230. [PMID: 32779873 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) is an important drug target in the one-carbon metabolic pathway, since its activity is critical for purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis. Additionally, it plays a prominent role during metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, and SHMT2 inhibitors have proven useful as anticancer drugs. Compared to drugs targeting one-carbon metabolic enzymes (mainly dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase) that have been used for clinical treatment of cancer, efficient SHMT2-specific inhibitors are lacking. Therefore, we established a direct system for virtual screening, protein expression, and identification of inhibitors targeting SHMT2. First, 27 compounds qualifying as potential SHMT2 inhibitors were selected for biological activity verification through virtual screening of the 210 thousand compounds registered in the Specs database. Second, these 27 hits were subjected to quick screening by an in vitro non-competitive kinetic assay of SHMT2 single-enzyme catalysis. This allowed us to identify three compounds featuring medium-strength and non-competitive inhibition of SHMT2: AM-807/42004511 (IC50 = 14.52 ± 4.1665 μM), AM-807/40675298 (IC50 = 12.74 ± 5.8991 μM), and AM-807/42004633 (IC50 = 9.43 ± 0.5646 μM). We describe a quick screening method for the identification of inhibitors targeting SHMT2, providing a basis for subsequent identification and screening of new inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Han
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping He
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Qi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Pan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bohuan Fang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sha Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - John Z H Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China.,Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lujia Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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20
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Guiducci G, Paone A, Tramonti A, Giardina G, Rinaldo S, Bouzidi A, Magnifico MC, Marani M, Menendez JA, Fatica A, Macone A, Armaos A, Tartaglia GG, Contestabile R, Paiardini A, Cutruzzolà F. The moonlighting RNA-binding activity of cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase contributes to control compartmentalization of serine metabolism. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:4240-4254. [PMID: 30809670 PMCID: PMC6486632 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymes of intermediary metabolism are often reported to have moonlighting functions as RNA-binding proteins and have regulatory roles beyond their primary activities. Human serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is essential for the one-carbon metabolism, which sustains growth and proliferation in normal and tumour cells. Here, we characterize the RNA-binding function of cytosolic SHMT (SHMT1) in vitro and using cancer cell models. We show that SHMT1 controls the expression of its mitochondrial counterpart (SHMT2) by binding to the 5'untranslated region of the SHMT2 transcript (UTR2). Importantly, binding to RNA is modulated by metabolites in vitro and the formation of the SHMT1-UTR2 complex inhibits the serine cleavage activity of the SHMT1, without affecting the reverse reaction. Transfection of UTR2 in cancer cells controls SHMT1 activity and reduces cell viability. We propose a novel mechanism of SHMT regulation, which interconnects RNA and metabolites levels to control the cross-talk between cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments of serine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guiducci
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Tramonti
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Amani Bouzidi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria C Magnifico
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Marani
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Javier A Menendez
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Metabolism and Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alexandros Armaos
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gian G Tartaglia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'C. Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Department of Life and Medical Sciences, 23 Passeig Lluıs Companys, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paiardini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome - P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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21
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Vanhove K, Graulus GJ, Mesotten L, Thomeer M, Derveaux E, Noben JP, Guedens W, Adriaensens P. The Metabolic Landscape of Lung Cancer: New Insights in a Disturbed Glucose Metabolism. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1215. [PMID: 31803611 PMCID: PMC6873590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism encompasses the biochemical processes that allow healthy cells to keep energy, redox balance and building blocks required for cell development, survival, and proliferation steady. Malignant cells are well-documented to reprogram their metabolism and energy production networks to support rapid proliferation and survival in harsh conditions via mutations in oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Despite the histologic and genetic heterogeneity of tumors, a common set of metabolic pathways sustain the high proliferation rates observed in cancer cells. This review with a focus on lung cancer covers several fundamental principles of the disturbed glucose metabolism, such as the “Warburg” effect, the importance of the glycolysis and its branching pathways, the unanticipated gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, we highlight our current understanding of the disturbed glucose metabolism and how this might result in the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolien Vanhove
- UHasselt, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, LCRC, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Algemeen Ziekenhuis Vesalius, Tongeren, Belgium
| | - Geert-Jan Graulus
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Mesotten
- UHasselt, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, LCRC, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Michiel Thomeer
- UHasselt, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, LCRC, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Elien Derveaux
- UHasselt, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, LCRC, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jean-Paul Noben
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Wanda Guedens
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Peter Adriaensens
- Biomolecule Design Group, Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Applied and Analytical Chemistry, Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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22
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Yadav S, Pandey SK, Goel Y, Temre MK, Singh SM. Diverse Stakeholders of Tumor Metabolism: An Appraisal of the Emerging Approach of Multifaceted Metabolic Targeting by 3-Bromopyruvate. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:728. [PMID: 31333455 PMCID: PMC6620530 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells possess a unique metabolic machinery to endure unobstructed cell survival. It comprises several levels of metabolic networking consisting of 1) upregulated expression of membrane-associated transporter proteins, facilitating unhindered uptake of substrates; 2) upregulated metabolic pathways for efficient substrate utilization; 3) pH and redox homeostasis, conducive for driving metabolism; 4) tumor metabolism-dependent reconstitution of tumor growth promoting the external environment; 5) upregulated expression of receptors and signaling mediators; and 6) distinctive genetic and regulatory makeup to generate and sustain rearranged metabolism. This feat is achieved by a "battery of molecular patrons," which acts in a highly cohesive and mutually coordinated manner to bestow immortality to neoplastic cells. Consequently, it is necessary to develop a multitargeted therapeutic approach to achieve a formidable inhibition of the diverse arrays of tumor metabolism. Among the emerging agents capable of such multifaceted targeting of tumor metabolism, an alkylating agent designated as 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) has gained immense research focus because of its broad spectrum and specific antineoplastic action. Inhibitory effects of 3-BP are imparted on a variety of metabolic target molecules, including transporters, metabolic enzymes, and several other crucial stakeholders of tumor metabolism. Moreover, 3-BP ushers a reconstitution of the tumor microenvironment, a reversal of tumor acidosis, and recuperative action on vital organs and systems of the tumor-bearing host. Studies have been conducted to identify targets of 3-BP and its derivatives and characterization of target binding for further optimization. This review presents a brief and comprehensive discussion about the current state of knowledge concerning various aspects of tumor metabolism and explores the prospects of 3-BP as a safe and effective antineoplastic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sukh Mahendra Singh
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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23
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Scaletti E, Jemth AS, Helleday T, Stenmark P. Structural basis of inhibition of the human serine hydroxymethyltransferase SHMT2 by antifolate drugs. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:1863-1873. [PMID: 31127856 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is the major source of 1-carbon units required for nucleotide synthesis. Humans have cytosolic (SHMT1) and mitochondrial (SHMT2) isoforms, which are upregulated in numerous cancers, making the enzyme an attractive drug target. Here, we show that the antifolates lometrexol and pemetrexed are inhibitors of SHMT2 and solve the first SHMT2-antifolate structures. The antifolates display large differences in their hydrogen bond networks despite their similarity. Lometrexol was found to be the best hSHMT1/2 inhibitor from a panel antifolates. Comparison of apo hSHMT1 with antifolate bound hSHMT2 indicates a highly conserved active site architecture. This structural information offers insights as to how these compounds could be improved to produce more potent and specific inhibitors of this emerging anti-cancer drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Scaletti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden.,Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Jemth
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Weston Park Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Pål Stenmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden.,Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
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24
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Ubonprasert S, Jaroensuk J, Pornthanakasem W, Kamonsutthipaijit N, Wongpituk P, Mee-Udorn P, Rungrotmongkol T, Ketchart O, Chitnumsub P, Leartsakulpanich U, Chaiyen P, Maenpuen S. A flap motif in human serine hydroxymethyltransferase is important for structural stabilization, ligand binding, and control of product release. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:10490-10502. [PMID: 31118236 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (hcSHMT) is a promising target for anticancer chemotherapy and contains a flexible "flap motif" whose function is yet unknown. Here, using size-exclusion chromatography, analytical ultracentrifugation, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and ligand-binding and enzyme-kinetic analyses, we studied the functional roles of the flap motif by comparing WT hcSHMT with a flap-deleted variant (hcSHMT/Δflap). We found that deletion of the flap results in a mixture of apo-dimers and holo-tetramers, whereas the WT was mostly in the tetrameric form. MD simulations indicated that the flap stabilizes structural compactness and thereby enhances oligomerization. The hcSHMT/Δflap variant exhibited different catalytic properties in (6S)-tetrahydrofolate (THF)-dependent reactions compared with the WT but had similar activity in THF-independent aldol cleavage of β-hydroxyamino acid. hcSHMT/Δflap was less sensitive to THF inhibition than the WT (Ki of 0.65 and 0.27 mm THF at pH 7.5, respectively), and the THF dissociation constant of the WT was also 3-fold lower than that of hcSHMT/Δflap, indicating that the flap is important for THF binding. hcSHMT/Δflap did not display the burst kinetics observed in the WT. These results indicate that, upon removal of the flap, product release is no longer the rate-limiting step, implying that the flap is important for controlling product release. The findings reported here improve our understanding of the functional roles of the flap motif in hcSHMT and provide fundamental insight into how a flexible loop can be involved in controlling the enzymatic reactions of hcSHMT and other enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakunrat Ubonprasert
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Juthamas Jaroensuk
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Wichai Pornthanakasem
- Biomolecular Analysis and Application Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and
| | | | - Peerapong Wongpituk
- Center of Excellence in Computational Chemistry (CECC), Department of Chemistry, and
| | - Pitchayathida Mee-Udorn
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, and
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, and.,Biocatalyst and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, and
| | - Onuma Ketchart
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Penchit Chitnumsub
- Biomolecular Analysis and Application Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and
| | - Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich
- Biomolecular Analysis and Application Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and
| | - Pimchai Chaiyen
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.,School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Somchart Maenpuen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
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25
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Tramonti A, Nardella C, di Salvo ML, Barile A, Cutruzzolà F, Contestabile R. Human Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase Isoforms in Comparison: Full Kinetic Characterization and Substrate Inhibition Properties. Biochemistry 2018; 57:6984-6996. [PMID: 30500180 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) catalyzes the reversible conversion of l-serine and tetrahydrofolate into glycine and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate. This enzyme, which plays a pivotal role in one-carbon metabolism, is involved in cancer metabolic reprogramming and is a recognized target of chemotherapy intervention. In humans, two isoforms of the enzyme exist, which are commonly termed cytosolic SHMT1 and mitochondrial SHMT2. Considerable attention has been paid to the structural, mechanistic, and metabolic features of these isozymes. On the other hand, a detailed comparison of their catalytic and regulatory properties is missing, although this aspect seems to be considerably important, considering that SHMT1 and SHMT2 reside in different cellular compartments, where they play distinct roles in folate metabolism. Here we performed a full kinetic characterization of the serine hydroxymethyltransferase reaction catalyzed by SHMT1 and SHMT2, with a focus on pH dependence and substrate inhibition. Our investigation, which allowed the determination of all kinetic parameters of serine hydroxymethyltransferase forward and backward reactions, uncovered a previously unobserved substrate inhibition by l-serine and highlighted several interesting differences between SHMT1 and SHMT2. In particular, SHMT2 maintains a pronounced tetrahydrofolate substrate inhibition even at the alkaline pH characteristic of the mitochondrial matrix, whereas with SHMT1 this is almost abolished. At this pH, SHMT2 also shows a catalytic efficiency that is much higher than that of SHMT1. These observations suggest that such different properties represent an adaptation of the isoforms to the respective cellular environments and that substrate inhibition may be a form of regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tramonti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari , Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Roma , Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" , Sapienza Università di Roma, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Roma , Italy
| | - Caterina Nardella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" , Sapienza Università di Roma, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Roma , Italy
| | - Martino L di Salvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" , Sapienza Università di Roma, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Roma , Italy
| | - Anna Barile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" , Sapienza Università di Roma, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Roma , Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" , Sapienza Università di Roma, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Roma , Italy
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" , Sapienza Università di Roma, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Roma , Italy
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26
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Deacetylation of serine hydroxymethyl-transferase 2 by SIRT3 promotes colorectal carcinogenesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4468. [PMID: 30367038 PMCID: PMC6203763 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06812-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of serine and glycine that is accomplished by serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) in mitochondria is significantly upregulated in various cancers to support cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we observed that SHMT2 is acetylated at K95 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. SIRT3, the major deacetylase in mitochondria, is responsible for SHMT2 deacetylation. SHMT2-K95-Ac disrupts its functional tetramer structure and inhibits its enzymatic activity. SHMT2-K95-Ac also promotes its degradation via the K63-ubiquitin–lysosome pathway in a glucose-dependent manner. TRIM21 acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for SHMT2. SHMT2-K95-Ac decreases CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth in vivo through attenuation of serine consumption and reduction in NADPH levels. Finally, SHMT2-K95-Ac is significantly decreased in human CRC samples and is inversely associated with increased SIRT3 expression, which is correlated with poorer postoperative overall survival. Our study reveals the unknown mechanism of SHMT2 regulation by acetylation which is involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) converts serine to glycine in mitochondria and is upregulated in a variety of cancers. Here the authors show that acetylation of the lysine-95 (K95) residue negatively regulates SHMT2 expression and activity and is deacetylated by SIRT3 in colorectal cancer.
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27
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Giardina G, Paone A, Tramonti A, Lucchi R, Marani M, Magnifico MC, Bouzidi A, Pontecorvi V, Guiducci G, Zamparelli C, Rinaldo S, Paiardini A, Contestabile R, Cutruzzolà F. The catalytic activity of serine hydroxymethyltransferase is essential for de novo nuclear dTMP synthesis in lung cancer cells. FEBS J 2018; 285:3238-3253. [PMID: 30035852 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells reprogramme one-carbon metabolism (OCM) to sustain growth and proliferation. Depending on cell demands, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) dynamically changes the fluxes of OCM by reversibly converting serine and tetrahydrofolate (THF) into 5,10-methylene-THF and glycine. SHMT is a tetrameric enzyme that mainly exists in three isoforms; two localize in the cytosol (SHMT1/SHMT2α) and one (SHMT2) in the mitochondria. Both the cytosolic isoforms can also translocate to the nucleus to sustain de novo thymidylate synthesis and support cell proliferation. Finally, the expression levels of the different isoforms are regulated to a certain extent by a yet unknown crosstalk mechanism. We have designed and fully characterized a set of three SHMT1 mutants, which uncouple the oligomeric state of the enzyme from its catalytic activity. We have then investigated the effects of the mutations on SHMT1 nuclear localization, cell viability and crosstalk in lung cancer cells (A549; H1299). Our data reveal that in these cell lines de novo thymidylate synthesis requires SHMT1 to be active, regardless of its oligomeric state. We have also confirmed that the crosstalk between the cytosolic and mitochondrial SHMT actually takes place and regulates the expression of the two isoforms. Apparently, the crosstalk mechanism is independent from the oligomeric state and the catalytic activity of SHMT1. DATABASE Structural data are available in the PDB under the accession number 6FL5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Tramonti
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lucchi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Marani
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Amani Bouzidi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Guiducci
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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28
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Shahruzaman SH, Fakurazi S, Maniam S. Targeting energy metabolism to eliminate cancer cells. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:2325-2335. [PMID: 30104901 PMCID: PMC6074761 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s167424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive metabolic responses toward a low oxygen environment are essential to maintain rapid proliferation and are relevant for tumorigenesis. Reprogramming of core metabolism in tumors confers a selective growth advantage such as the ability to evade apoptosis and/or enhance cell proliferation and promotes tumor growth and progression. One of the mechanisms that contributes to tumor growth is the impairment of cancer cell metabolism. In this review, we outline the small-molecule inhibitors identified over the past decade in targeting cancer cell metabolism and the usage of some of these molecules in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazwin Hani Shahruzaman
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia,
| | - Sharida Fakurazi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia,
| | - Sandra Maniam
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia,
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29
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Tramonti A, Paiardini A, Paone A, Bouzidi A, Giardina G, Guiducci G, Magnifico MC, Rinaldo S, McDermott L, Menendez JA, Contestabile R, Cutruzzolà F. Differential inhibitory effect of a pyrazolopyran compound on human serine hydroxymethyltransferase-amino acid complexes. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 653:71-79. [PMID: 29991441 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a pivotal enzyme in one-carbon metabolism that catalyses the reversible conversion of serine and tetrahydrofolate into glycine and methylenetetrahydrofolate. It exists in cytosolic (SHMT1) and mitochondrial (SHMT2) isoforms. Research on one-carbon metabolism in cancer cell lines has shown that SHMT1 preferentially catalyses serine synthesis, whereas in mitochondria SHMT2 is involved in serine breakdown. Recent research has focused on the identification of inhibitors that bind at the folate pocket. We have previously found that a representative derivative of the pyrazolopyran scaffold, namely 2.12, inhibits both SHMT isoforms, with a preference for SHMT1, causing apoptosis in lung cancer cell lines. Here we show that the affinity of 2.12 for SHMT depends on the identity of the amino acid substrate bound to the enzyme. The dissociation constant of 2.12 is 50-fold lower when it binds to SHMT1 enzyme-serine complex, as compared to the enzyme-glycine complex. Evidence is presented for a similar behaviour of compound 2.12 in the cellular environment. These findings suggest that the presence and identity of the amino acid substrate should be considered when designing SHMT inhibitors. Moreover, our data provide the proof-of-concept that SHMT inhibitors selectively targeting the directionality of one-carbon metabolism flux could be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tramonti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paiardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Amani Bouzidi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giardina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Guiducci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Magnifico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Lee McDermott
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Javier A Menendez
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Metabolism and Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Catalonia, Spain; Molecular Oncology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy.
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30
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Amornwatcharapong W, Maenpuen S, Chitnumsub P, Leartsakulpanich U, Chaiyen P. Human and Plasmodium serine hydroxymethyltransferases differ in rate-limiting steps and pH-dependent substrate inhibition behavior. Arch Biochem Biophys 2017; 630:91-100. [PMID: 28760597 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), an essential enzyme for cell growth and development, catalyzes the transfer of -CH2OH from l-serine to tetrahydrofolate (THF) to form glycine and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHF) which is used for nucleotide synthesis. Insights into the ligand binding and inhibition properties of human cytosolic SHMT (hcSHMT) and Plasmodium SHMT (PvSHMT) are crucial for designing specific drugs against malaria and cancer. The results presented here revealed strong and pH-dependent THF inhibition of hcSHMT. In contrast, in PvSHMT, THF inhibition and the influence of pH were not as pronounced. Ligand binding experiments performed at various pH values indicated that the hcSHMT:Gly complex binds THF more tightly at lower pH conditions, while the binding affinity of the PvSHMT:Gly complex for THF is not pH-dependent. Pre-steady state kinetic (rapid-quench) analysis of hcSHMT showed burst kinetics, indicating that glycine formation occurs fastest in the first turnover relative to the subsequent turnovers i.e. glycine release is the rate-limiting step in the hcSHMT reaction. All data suggest that excess THF likely binds E:Gly binary complex and forms the E:Gly:THF dead-end complex before glycine is released. A unique flap motif found in the structure of hcSHMT may be the key structural feature that imparts these described characteristics of hcSHMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watcharee Amornwatcharapong
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Somchart Maenpuen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
| | - Penchit Chitnumsub
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Pimchai Chaiyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Department of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, School of Biomolecular Science & Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand.
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31
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Yadav S, Pandey SK, Singh VK, Goel Y, Kumar A, Singh SM. Molecular docking studies of 3-bromopyruvate and its derivatives to metabolic regulatory enzymes: Implication in designing of novel anticancer therapeutic strategies. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176403. [PMID: 28463978 PMCID: PMC5413015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancer, as malignant cells display a mammoth up-regulation of enzymes responsible for steering their bioenergetic and biosynthetic machinery. Thus, the recent anticancer therapeutic strategies focus on the targeting of metabolic enzymes, which has led to the identification of specific metabolic inhibitors. One of such inhibitors is 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP), with broad spectrum of anticancer activity due to its ability to inhibit multiple metabolic enzymes. However, the molecular characterization of its binding to the wide spectrum of target enzymes remains largely elusive. Therefore, in the present study we undertook in silico investigations to decipher the molecular nature of the docking of 3-BP with key target enzymes of glycolysis and TCA cycle by PatchDock and YASARA docking tools. Additionally, derivatives of 3-BP, dibromopyruvate (DBPA) and propionic acid (PA), with reported biological activity, were also investigated for docking to important target metabolic enzymes of 3-BP, in order to predict their therapeutic efficacy versus that of 3-BP. A comparison of the docking scores with respect to 3-BP indicated that both of these derivatives display a better binding strength to metabolic enzymes. Further, analysis of the drug likeness of 3-BP, DBPA and PA by Lipinski filter, admetSAR and FAF Drug3 indicated that all of these agents showed desirable drug-like criteria. The outcome of this investigation sheds light on the molecular characteristics of the binding of 3-BP and its derivatives with metabolic enzymes and thus may significantly contribute in designing and optimizing therapeutic strategies against cancer by using these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saveg Yadav
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shrish Kumar Pandey
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Singh
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yugal Goel
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sukh Mahendra Singh
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- * E-mail:
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32
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Yadav S, Pandey SK, Kumar A, Kujur PK, Singh RP, Singh SM. Antitumor and chemosensitizing action of 3-bromopyruvate: Implication of deregulated metabolism. Chem Biol Interact 2017; 270:73-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Chen TC, Yu J, Nouri Nigjeh E, Wang W, Myint PT, Zandi E, Hofman FM, Schönthal AH. A perillyl alcohol-conjugated analog of 3-bromopyruvate without cellular uptake dependency on monocarboxylate transporter 1 and with activity in 3-BP-resistant tumor cells. Cancer Lett 2017; 400:161-174. [PMID: 28450161 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The anticancer agent 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) is viewed as a glycolytic inhibitor that preferentially kills glycolytic cancer cells through energy depletion. However, its cytotoxic activity is dependent on cellular drug import through transmembrane monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT-1), which restricts its anticancer potential to MCT-1-positive tumor cells. We created and characterized an MCT-1-independent analog of 3-BP, called NEO218. NEO218 was synthesized by covalently conjugating 3-BP to perillyl alcohol (POH), a natural monoterpene. The responses of various tumor cell lines to treatment with either compound were characterized in the presence or absence of supplemental pyruvate or antioxidants N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH). Drug effects on glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) enzyme activity were investigated by mass spectrometric analysis. The development of 3-BP resistance was investigated in MCT-1-positive HCT116 colon carcinoma cells in vitro. Our results show that NEO218: (i) pyruvylated GAPDH on all 4 of its cysteine residues and shut down enzymatic activity; (ii) severely lowered cellular ATP content below life-sustaining levels, and (iii) triggered rapid necrosis. Intriguingly, supplemental antioxidants effectively prevented cytotoxic activity of NEO218 as well as 3-BP, but supplemental pyruvate powerfully protected cells only from 3-BP, not from NEO218. Unlike 3-BP, NEO218 exerted its potent cytotoxic activity irrespective of cellular MCT-1 status. Treatment of HCT116 cells with 3-BP resulted in prompt development of resistance, based on the emergence of MCT-1-negative cells. This was not the case with NEO218, and highly 3-BP-resistant cells remained exquisitely sensitive to NEO218. Thus, our study identifies a mechanism by which tumor cells develop rapid resistance to 3-BP, and presents NEO218 as a superior agent not subject to this cellular defense. Furthermore, our results offer alternative interpretations of previously published models on the role of supplemental antioxidants: Rather than quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS), supplemental NAC or GSH directly interact with 3-BP, thereby neutralizing the drug's cytotoxic potential before it can trigger ROS production. Altogether, our study introduces new aspects of the cytotoxic mechanism of 3-BP, and characterizes NEO218 as an analog able to overcome a key cellular defense mechanism towards this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Jiali Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Eslam Nouri Nigjeh
- Research Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Weijun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Phyo Thazin Myint
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Ebrahim Zandi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Florence M Hofman
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Axel H Schönthal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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